Signaling system



O. -A. ROSS SIGNALING SYSTEM Filed June 25, 1927 3 Sheets-Sheet l 4.,c.SUPPLY INYENTOR o. A. Ross 2,043,493

SIGNALING SYSTEM .Filed June 25, 1927 3 She'et-Sheet 2 \HA. I

I INVENTOR June 9, .1936. o. A. Ross 2,043,493

' SIGNALING-SYSTEM Filed June 25, 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 B 44 ID LO CAL.DJ; SUPPLY TIME' 50% 1 INTERVAL DEVIC 7 SUPPLY I 7 J g LQCAL All. 3UPPLYIN VEN TOR.

Patented June 9, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 13 Claims.

This invention relates to traffic control systems and more particularlyto traffic control systems for trackless Vehicular traffic in more orless large cities, or at rural points or towns where such traffic issufiiciently dense to necessitate regulation by a governing signalsystem.

Traffic control systems now in use comprise in general the displaying ofcolor light signals. Some systems employ three distinct colors for eachdirection of trafiic at an intersection, other systems employ only twocolors.

Where three colors are employed, as for example green for proceed,yellow for caution, and red for stop, it is customary to display theyellow light, succeeding the green and red for the purpose of clearingan intersection of vehicles and pedestrians. As a matter of practicalexperience it is found that unless a trafiic oilicer is present, themotorists (vehicle drivers) of the blocked lane of trafiic start theircars as soon as the yellow light appears and, further that the motoristsof the running lane of trafiic also ignore the yellow light and attemptto beat the signal, namely the red light which they know is coming.-Obviously the poor pedestrian has little chance whatever for escape indense traflic.

Where two color light signals are employed, as for example green forproceed, and red for stop, it is customary to extinguish all signallights during the period the intersection is to be cleared. Where suchsystems are installed it is also found that motorists ignore the no lighperiod for clearing the intersection, the blocked cars starting as soonas the red light is extinguished and the running lane of cars continuingto cross the intersection in an attempt to beat the red signa which theyknow is coming, and again hazard prevails and pedestrians are exposed toinjury.

Obviously the weakness in the heretofore described systems lies in thefact that the vehicle drivers are advised of the change of signalsbefore the change actually takes place and when such notice is giventhey immediately start their cars in place of waiting for the propersignal.

One object of this invention is to furnish a traflic signal system forthe intersection of two lanes of traflic wherein stop signals aredisplayed to both lanes simultaneously for the purpose of clearing theintersection of all moving traific before signalling the traflic of thestationary lane to proceed, in this manner preventing the trafiic of thestationary lane from having advance knowledge of change of signaldisplay.

Another object is to accomplish the results described by the use of asingle circuit control system whereby more economical installation ofthe system is obtained.

Another object is to furnish a trafiic signal system wherein threediliering forms of traflic movement is effected by the opening andclosing of a single control circuit.

Another object is to furnish a trafiic control system wherein threediffering forms of trafiic movement is eiiected by the reversal ofpolarity of a single control circuit.

Another object is to furnish a novel system of remote control fortraflic signal apparatus whereby simple and more economically installedcircuits may be employed.

Another object is to furnish a novel signal system wherein energy supplylines local to the signal system may be employed as partial controlcircuits for the signal apparatus as well as supplying the energy forthe signal display.

Another object is to furnish a novel form of signal apparatus forefiecting the desired signal display at trafiic intersections.

Another object is to furnish a novel arrangement ofsignal circuits foreffecting the desired display of signals at trafiic intersections.

Another object is to produce novel devices and apparatus foraccomplishing the objects of the system.

Other objects and advantages will appear as the description of theinvention progresses, and the novel features of the invention will bepointed out in the appended claims.

This invention consists in the novel construction and arrangement ofparts hereinafter described, delineated in the accompanying drawings,and particularly pointed out in that portion of the instrument whereinpatentable novelty is claimed for certain and peculiar features of theinvention, it being understood that, within the scope of whathereinafter thus is claimed, divers changes in the form, proportions,size and minor details of the system may be made without departing fromthe spirit of, or sacrificing any of the details of the invention.

In describing the invention in detail, reference 5 is had to theaccompanying drawings wherein I have illustrated embodiments of myinvention, and wherein like characters of reference designatecorresponding parts through the several views, and in which:-v

Figure l is a part circuit plan, part diagrammatic view of analternating light signal unit employed in applicants improved system,and Figure 2 is also a part circuit plan, part diagrammatic view of amodified light signal unit adopted for direct current, and Figure 3 isalso a part circuit plan, part diagrammatic view of a complete trafficcontrol signal system, and Figure 4 is also a part circuit plan, partdiagrammatic view of a modified system for operating on alternatingcurrent, and Figure 5 is also a part circuit plan, part diagrammaticview of the same system adapted for operating on direct current.

Referring to Figure 1, illustrating a light signal adapted foralternating current, signal unit I comprises housing 2 supporting lightsignals IRE-IGE; lRWlGW; IRNlGN; and IRS-|GS and in which is alsosuitably mounted signal sequence relay or contacting mechanism 3,comprising A. C. induction motor 4 preferably of the non-magnetic metalshell rotor type of known form having non-magnetic shell rotor 4aarranged to rotate pinion 5, meshing with sector 6 having extension I,to the outer end of which is pivoted link 8, also pivoted to, andadapted to actuate contact levers 9, H1, and II. Contact levers 9 and Hare known as make before brea and are preferably arranged whereby thecontacts 9a and Ila open just before contact levers 9 and H come to restin their lower position, and, contacts 9b and Nb open just before saidlevers come to rest in their upper positions. The contact H3, opensimmediately upon movement of link 8 from its extreme upper or lowerposition. Motor 4 is supplied with operating stator windings i2 and I3,and dampening stator winding M. Winding i2 is preferably locally fedwhereas I3 is remotely fed and acts as the control winding for operatingmotor 5, the rotor 4a of said motor reversing its rotation each time theconnection of control wires 94 and are reversed with respect to thealternating source to which they are connected. Dampening winding l4when energized, acts to produce a substantially large magnetic flux inthe motor air gap operating magnet l'i adapted to actuate core l8,

to the upper end of which is secured, rod is supporting rack 20 havingtoothed section 2| adapted to be free from engagement with'pinion 22secured to gear 23, during the extreme upper and lower movements of coreI8, but adapted to engage said pinion'during the intermediate movementof said core. Secured to governor shaft 24, and allocated by bracket 25is worm 25 meshing with gear 23. Secured to shaft 24, is frictionalcentrifuge 21, having governor weights 28-25 adapted to restrainfriction members 2929 against fixed disk 35 during rotation of saidshaft.

To the lower end of core 3, is secured rod 3i, having collar 32 adaptedto raise contact lever 33 during the last portion of the upward movementof core I8 and rod 3|, also collar 35 adapted to lower contact lever 35duringthe last portion of the lowering movement of core I8 and rod 3!.Spring 35 is adapted to immediately cause lowering of contact lever 53upon initial lowered movement of core l8 whereafter further movement ofsaid core causes compression thereof, and, as said core is raised fromits extreme lowered position, said spring retains contact lever 35,lowered until the final upward movement of said core whereupon collar 32will raise said lever.

With core I8 in the extreme raised position, collar 37 causescompression of spring 38 whereby contact lever 35 is restrained againstits upper position, and will be so restrained during the lowering ofcore 58 until its final movement whereupon collar 34 impinges on saidlever and carries it to its lower position.

Spring 39, secured to the lower end of rod 3|, the tension of which isadjusted by screw 39 and nut 4|, serves to adjust for uniform upward anddownward movement of core I 8 and its depending parts.

Referring to Figure 3, time element device 42, may be of any well-knowntype wherein a circuit controller, as 43 is opened and closedperiodically, the time interval of each period being adjusted for theparticular location and condition of traffic for which said time clementdevice is supplied. For example, circuit controller 43 may be actuatedto alternately close and open a circuit for equal periods of 45 seconds,or if desired, one of the alternate periods may be made longer orshorter than the other.

Controlled by circuit controller 33, are relays 44 and 45, relay 45having contact lever 45' supplying direct current to the signal unitrelays the relay 44 adjacent the boulevard A having cross streets B, C,and D, and the relay 45 adjacent the boulevard H'having the crossstreets I, J, and K, said boulevards and streets being more or lessremote from the control station 50.

The signal units as l and !5 are preferably suitably supported above thecenter of the intersec-' tions of two lanes of traffic, as for example,as

is shown at the intersections of the boulevards A and H and the streetsB, C, D, and I, J, K, intersecting therewith.

Referring to Figure 4 illustrating a modified system wherein theilluminating sequence of the light signal units is established by aremote contact unit, or relay, as 5! controlling a plurality of saidsignals, the unit 5!, is similar in structure to relay 3 except thatcontact levers l0 and II are substituted by pole changing levers 52 and53.

Light signals 55 and 55 are of similar structure and comprise analternating current induction motor or relay 55 similar in operatingcharacteristics as motor' l of Fig. l, the stator winding 5?- of whichis preferably fed locally, and the also preferably of the non-magneticshell rotor type.

Pivoted to crank 59 of motor 56, is link 60 adapted to actuate contactlever 62, and by connecting link 5!, contact lever 63, said last leverbeing of the make before break type whereby two circuits are closed withthe contact lever in the de-energized position as shown by signal 55.

The counter-weight 562) secured to shaft of rotor 55a acts to rotatesaid rotor quickly to the deenergized position for moving contact levers62 and 63 to their de-energized positions.

Whereas the signal lights 4GW-4GE--4GN- iGS-ARW SRE4RN4RS of signals54and 55 are shown in one plane for purpose of clearer illustration, theyare in practice arranged substantially as shown in signals I and I5 ofFigures 1 and 2 respectively.

Referring to Figure 5, illustrating a modified system similar to thesystem shown in Figure 4, but wherein the remote control unit, or relay,as it is adapted to operate on direct current, and is located remotelyfrom the light signals, as 65 and 66, said relay unit is ofsubstantially the same structure and function, however, said function isconsummated through secondary quick acting relays, as 67-5l' of lightsignals 65 and 66. Said secondary quick-acting relays are arranged foroperation on direct current, and comprise magnets 68 and 69 having core10, pivoted to which is one end of link H, the other being pivotallyconnected to one leg of bell crank 12, and to the other leg of which ispivotally connected link I3 adapted to actuate contact lever 62, link BIand contact lever 63 as heretofore described in connection with Figure4.

Referring to the operation of the system as shown by Figures 1, 2 and 3;during the period time interval device 42 acts to raise contact lever43, and which for purposes of illustration is assumed to signal east andwest traffic to proceed, and north and south traific to be blocked, orstationary, the following circuit is established:

Time element control circuit from, positive energy to wire 15, contactlever 43, wire 16 from whence it branches to wires H and 18 to relays 4tand d5, returning through wires l9 and to negative energy. As relay 44is energized and its core raised, contact lever 56 establishes thefollowing circuit:

Direct current light signal control circuit from positive energy throughcontact lever 46, line wire at, from whence it passes through wires82-3282 to the light signal relays l6|6-l6 and thence to negativeenergy. As the relays 5-46-45 are energized each magnet as H, (Fig. 2)begins to raise its core l8 toward its upper position and whereascontact lever 35 raises immediately due to free movement of rack 29before teeth 2i engage pinion 22, contact lever 33 will not raise untilthe end of the movement of said core. As contact lever 35 raises, acircuit to the ZRN and 2R8 light signals are established as follows:-

ZRN and ERS stop light signal circuit from positive energy through wire83, contact lever 35, wires 84 and 85 to lights 2RN and 2R8 respectivelyand thence to negative energy. Inasmuch as contact lever 33 will remainin its lowered position by action of spring 36 until raised by collar 32at the last end of the movement of core l8, a circuit to the ZRE and ZRWsignal lights will be maintained as follows:

ZRE and ZRW stop light signal circuit from positive energy wire 85,contact lever 33 in lowered position wires 8? and 88 to lights ZRE andZRW respectively and thence to negative energy. From the foregoing itwill be noted thatall the red or stop signal lights 2RN--2RS2RE and 2RWare lighted and will so remain as core I8 continues upward slowly by theretarding action of the centrifuge 2'? during the period teeth 2| ofrack 20 are in engagement with pinion 22 and whereby gear 23 isrestrained to rotate and thereby cause rotation of worm 25 and saidcentrifuge.

With the four red or stop light signals lighted, as previouslydescribed, trafiic approaching the intersection of both trafi'ic lanes,as for example, the boulevard A and cross streets B, C and D, moreconveniently indicated by the lines N-S and EW, of Figs. 1 and 2 will bestopped or blocked, in this manner permitting said intersection at whicha light signal unit, as I5, is located, to be cleared of traffic.

As core I8 completes its upward movement and teeth 2] pass out of pinion22, it again moves upward rapidly until rack 29 impinges on stop 20a.and during which movement collar 32 raises contact lever 33 from itslower to its upper position. As this movement occurs a circuit isestablished to the ZGE and ZGW signal lights as follows:

ZGE and ZGW proceed light signal circuit from positive energy to wire 86contact lever 33 in raised position, wires 89 and 90 to light signals2GE and 2GW respectively and thence to nega-- tive energy. As contactlever 33 is quickly raised the signal lights ZRE and 2RW areextinguished simultaneously with the lighting of lights 2GB and ZGW and,therefore, as shown by the arrangement of parts in Figure 2, the eastand West tramc is signalled to proceed, whereas those in north and southlanes are signaled to remain stationary.

A predetermined time interval after contact lever 43 (Fig. 3) hasraised, it is subsequently lowered, and, as the circuit to relays Mand'45 are thereby opened, contact levers 46, 47 and 48 are lowered,contact lever 46, opening the circuit to the light signal relaysi6-i6|6. As this occurs the magnets as H, become de-energized whereuponcore l8 rapidly drops until teeth 2| engage pinion 22. During this rapidmovement contact lever 33 moves from upper to lower position,extinguishing the ZGE and ZGW lights and lighting the ZRE and ZRW lightsin this manner stopping the vehicles and pedestrians approaching theintersection from the east and west. As the ZRN and 2RS signal lightswill also remain lighted, the blocked trafiic of the north and southlanes will also be signaled to remain stationary. As the teeth 2| engagepinion 22, the further downward movement of core l8 will be retarded bycentrifuge 21 until all the teeth 2! have passed positive energy to wire83, contact lever 35, in

lowered position, wires SI and 92 to lights ZGS and ZGN respectively. Asthis last named circuit is established vehicles in the north and southtrafiic lanes are signaled to proceed whereas those of the east and westlanes are signaled to remain stationary.

During the period that lights 2NR-2SR 2ER2WR are lighted as core Itmoves slowly downward, the intersection governed by the light signal, asI5, will be cleared of both pedestrians and vehicles whereby and whencontact lever 35 is rapidly lowered, and the proceed lights ZGE and ZGWare lighted, the east and west traffic will have a clear right of way.

Referring again to Fig. 3, in conjunction with Fig. 1, with the parts asshown, east and west trafiic, as for example, of the boulevard A issignaled to proceed and north and south traific, as for example, of thestreets B, C, D is signaled to stop. Relay 45 as well as relay 44, isenergized and with contact lever 41 and 48 in raised position, as shown,energy to alternating current relay units as 33--3, is supplied asfollows:

Alternating current light signal control circuit from positive energy towire 93, contact lever 48 line wire 94 to winding I3 of units 333returning to negative energy via line wire 95, contact lever 4'! andwires 96 and 91. With the foregoing circuit established with polechanger levers 41 and 48 in raised position, motor 4 revolves counterclock-wise andsector 6 clock-wise thereby restraining contact levers 9,I0 and II downwardly. As-

suming that said last named levers had been in raised position in whichcase contact fingers 9a and I la are closed while 9b and I lb are openand therefore energy to dampening winding I4 would be cut oif by openingof contact finger 91), but as contact levers 41 and 48 are raised totheir upper position and energy is supplied to winding I3, motor 4revolves rapidly counter clock-wise until contact finger 9b is closed,whereupon the dampening circuit is established as follows:-

Dampening circuit from positive energy to wire 99 dampening winding I4,wire I00 contact finger 9a, contact lever 9, contact finger 9b and wireIOI to negative energy. As this circuit is established motor 4substantially reduces its speed due to the dampening eifect of windingI4.

During the previously mentioned rapid movement of motor 4 contact leverI0 lowers slightly and opens the proceed circuit to the green, orproceed lights IGN and IGS; also, contact lever I I is also slightlylowered whereby contact finger III) is caused to supply energy to thenorth and south stop signals IRN and IRS as follows:-

IRN and IRS stop light signal circuit from positive energy to'wire I02,contact lever I I, contact finger IIb wires I05 and I06 to light signalsIRN and IRS respectively and thence to negative energy. Simultaneouslyenergy from lever II passes to contact finger I Ia wires I03 and I04 tolight signals I RE and IRW respectively and thence to negative energy.Also simultaneously with the primary rapid movement of motor 4, contactlever I0 is slightly lowered thereby opening the circuit to the proceedsignals IGN and IGS whereupon they become extinguished substantiallysimultaneously with the lighting of the red or stop signals IRN and IRS.It will be now noted that all the red or stop signals, as I RN- IRSIREand IRW are lighted and will so remain during the slow movement of motor4, the interval of time of slow movement being preferably proportionedto permit clearing of the intersection at which signal I is located andas more fully described in connection with signal unit I5.

As motor 4 continues to rotate counter clockwise slowly under thedampening effect of winding I4, contact lever 9, maintains the dampeningcircuit, and contact lever II maintains both the north and south andeast and westred or stop signal circuits. Just as sector 6 is completingits clock-wise movement, contact finger 9a lowers and opens the circuitto the dampening winding I4, whereupon motor 4 again rotates I .rapidlyandcontact levers 9, I0, and II are rapidly' lowered to the positionshown in Fig. 1. As the foregoing rapid movement takes place contactfinger IIa opens the stop circuit to the east and west red or stopsignal lights IRE and IRW. and simultaneously the east and west proceedsignals IRE and IGW are lighted as follows:

IGE and IGW proceed light signal circuit from positive energy to wireI0'I contact lever I0, wires I08 and I09 to proceed lights IGE and IGWrespectively and thence to negative energy, in this manner indicatingthat trafiic may proceed in the east and west traific lanes as forexample, boulevard H, whereas the north and south bound traffic, as forexample, streets I, J, and K, is stopped at the intersections.

As time element device 42 (Fig. 3) lowers contact lever 43 and relays 44and 45 are de-energized, or reversed, the pole changer contact levers 41and 48 also lower causing a reversal of polarity, the positive energyfrom wire 93 passing to line wire 95 in place of line wire 94 asformally and returning through line wire 95 to negative energy throughwire 91. As this occurs the energy to windings, as I3 of the signalunits 3--3-3 is also reversed and motor 4 is caused to rotate clock-wiseand sector 6 counter clock-wise. As contact finger 9a is now open, saidmotor rotates rapidly and contact lever I0 is slightly raised therebyopening the proceed circuit to green proceed lights I GE and IGW.Simultaneously contact lever I I is slightly raised and contact fingerIla closes the previously described stopcircuit to thestop lights IREand IRW. Substantially simultaneously the contact finger 9a closes thedampening circuit to winding I4 and motor 4 is caused to rotate slowly.It is to be noted that all four stop lights IRNIRS- 5 RE and iRW areagain lighted and will so remain during the entire slow movement ofmotor 4, the period of time of slow movement being preferably suflicientto clear the intersections as for example, the intersections of theboulevard H and the streets I, J, and K at which signals are located.

As the contact levers 9, I0, and I I approach their uppermost positioncontact finger 9b opens the circuit to the dampening winding 54 andmotor 4 is caused to again rotate rapidly. As this occurs contact fingerIlb opens the stop circuit to the IRN and IRS signal lights andsubstantially simultaneously the contact lever I0 closes the proceedcircuit to signal lights IGN and IGS as follows:-

IGN and I GS proceed light signal circuit from positive energy to wireI07, contact lever I5 in raised position, wires Ilii and ill to lightsiGN and IGS, and thence to negative energy in this manner indicatingthat the vehicles in the north and south traffic lanes may proceed. Itis to be noted that the stop signals iRE and IRW remain lighted therebynotifying vehicles in the east and West traffic lanes, as for examplethe boulevard H to remain stationary.

Referring to Fig. 4 illustrating a modified system wherein quick actingalternating current relays are employed at the light signal locationsand a light sequence alternating current relay unit as 5! is interposedbetween the master control unit as 50, and a plurality of light signals,as 54 and 55. Light sequence relay 5! is substantially of the samestructure as relay 8 of Fig. 1, however, contact levers Iii and I I aresubstituted by pole changer contact levers 52 and 53.

As time element 42 of master control unit 50 raises contact lever 43 andenergizes relays 44 and 45, and the raising of contact levers 4'! and 48causes a lowering of contact levers 9, 52, and 53 are previouslydescribed, energy to the light signals, as 54 and 55, is supplied asfollows:

Quick acting alternating current light signal relay circuit frompositive energy to wires H2 and H3, contact lever 52 wires H4, II5II5resistances II 6I l6, windings 58-58, wires II'! II'I-switches II8-lI8wires II9II9, I26, contact lever 53 wire I2I to negative energy. Withthis circuit established, motors 56-56 rotate clockwise moving contactlever 62 to the left and contact lever 63 to the right as shown,whereupon contact lever 62 establishes a circuit to the signal lights4GB and 4GW as follows:-

4GE and 4GW proceed light signal circuit from positive energy to wire I23, contact lever 62, wires I24 and I25 to signal lights 4GE and 4GWrespectively and thence to negative energy. Simultaneously and ascontact lever 63 swings to the right a circuit to the east and west stopsignals 4RE and 4RW is opened by contact finger 63a, however, contactfinger 63b is caused to more firmly impinge on its contact and therebymaintain a circuit to the north and south stop signals 4RN and 4R8 asfollows:-

4RN and 4RS stop light signals from positive energy to wire I26 contactlever 63 contact finger 63b wires I21 and I 28 to light signals 4RN and4RS respectively and thence to negative energy. With the three foregoingcircuits established, the stopped vehicles in the east and west trafliclanes at the intersection are signaled to proceed and those of the northand south lanes to stop.

For the purpose of clearer illustration, the switch I I8 of signal 55 isshown to be open thereby permitting its relay 53 to assume thedeenergized position, and whereby contact finger 63a is also supplyingenergy to the stop signal lights 4RE and 4RW as follows:

4RE and 4RW stop light signal circuit from positive energy to wire I25,contact lever 63, contact finger 63a wires I29 and I36 to lights 4RE and4RW respectively and thence to negative energy. With all switches asII8-II6 closed, this de-energized position also obtains with all lightsignals as 54 and 55, during the period that contact lever 52 and 53 aremoving from front to back contact, or a similar reverse movement fromback to front, this period further comprising the period during whichmotor 4 is revolving slowly due to the dampening effect of winding I4 asmore fully heretofore described. It is to be noted that during thisde-energized period of relays as 5556 both the north and south stopsignals ERN and 4RS and the east and west stop signals 4RE and 4RW arelighted, indicating that vehicles in both these lanes of trafiic muststop at the intersection. Said de-energized period is preferably of atime interval sufficient to permit trafiic to clear said intersectionbefore a subsequent traific lane is signaled to proceed.

Assume now that time element device 42 has operated to lower contactlever 43, and whereupon relays 44 and 45 are de-energized, and, as polechanger contact levers ll and 48 of relay 45 are lowered, the polarityof the circuit to line wires 34 and is reversed. As this occurs motor 4of signal sequence relay 5! will rotate clockwise thereby causingcontact levers 3, 52, and 53 to be raised. During the primary or rapidmovement of motor 4, contact levers 52 and 53 will open, and contactfinger 3a will close the dampening circuit,,whereafter motor 4 willslowly revolve while contact lever 52 and 53 are moved from back tofront contact. During the slow movement of motor 4, motors 56-56 will bedeenergized and contact levers 62 and 53 of light signals 53 and 55 willlower to the de-energized position, as shown by signal 55. As thisoccurs 5 the lever 52 opens the circuit to the proceed signals 4GE and4GW and contact finger 53a establishes the circuit to the stop signal4RE and 4RW and both the stop signals 4RW and 4RS of the north and southlanes, as well as the stop signals 10 4E and 4W of the east and westlanes will be lighted, indicating that all traffic must stop and permitthe intersection to be cleared.

As the contact levers 9, 52, and 53 approach their upper contacts,contact finger 3b opens the 15 dampening circuit to winding I4, andmotor 4 revolves quickly causing contact levers 52 and 53 to contactwith their front contacts whereupon the polarity to the light signalrelays, as 5656 is reversed and said relays will rotate counter 20clock-wise in this manner causing contact lever 62 to swing to the rightand establish a circuit to the proceed signals 4GN and 4G8 as follows:-

4GN and 4GB proceed light signal circuit from positive energy to wireI23, contact lever 62 wires 25 I3I and I32 to signal lights 4GN and 4G8respectively and thence to negative energy. Simultaneously with theestablishing of this circuit the contact finger 63?) opens the stopsignal circuit to lights 4RN and 4R8, and as a result the vehicles inthe east and west trafiic lanes are signaled to proceed and those in thenorth and south lanes to remain stationary.

Referring to Fig. 5,'illustrating a similar system to that shown in Fig.4, however, arranged 35 for operation on direct current, the signalsequence relay, as 3, is substantially of the same structure as relay 3of Fig. 2. The light signals 65 and 66 are similar to those of 54 and 55except that the alternating current relays as 56, are substituted by adirect current mechanism 61 operating as follows:

When time element 42 raises its contact lever 43 and the relays 44 and45 are energized the contact lever 46 of relay 44 supplies energy tomagnet I1, (Fig. 5) through line wire 8| whereupon core I8 is drawn toits upper position and as contact levers 33 and 35, are raised to uppercontact position a circuit through contact lever 33 is established asfollows:

Quick acting direct current signal relay circuit from positive energy towire I33, contact lever 33 line wire I35, wire I36 magnets 69-69, andthence to negative energy. With this circuit established, core 16 isdrawn to the right whereupon contact lever 62 is drawn to the left andcontact lever 63 to the right, as contact lever 62 moves to the left theeast and west proceed signals 5GE and 5GW are lighted and as contactlever 63 moves to the right the contact finger 63a simultaneously opensthe stop circuit to lights 5RE and 5RW, however, maintains the stopsignals 5RN and 5R8 lighted in the same manner as described inconnection with signals54 and 55. Contact levers 62 and 63 assume ade-energized position for display of stop signals RE RW RS and RNimmediately upon the lowering of said core, the circuit to magnet 69 isopened and contact levers 62 and '63 move to the de-energized or midwayposition as shown in signal unit 55, and whereupon both the north andsouth signals 5RN and 5R8 and the east and west signals 5RE and 5RW arelighted, as described in connection with Fig. 4 and for the samepurpose.

During the final downward movement of core I8, collar 34- causes contactlever 35 to impinge on its lower contact whereupon the following circuitis established:--

Direct current quick acting signal relay circuit N and S proceed frompositive energy to wires I33, I34, contact lever 35 in lowered position,line wire I38, wires I3'I--I3I to magnets 68-68 and thence to negativeenergy. As this circuit is established core 10 moves to the left, inthis manner causing contact lever 63 to move to the right and lightsignals 5GN and 5G8, and

. contact lever 63 to move to the left whereby contact finger 63b opensthe stop circuit to lights 5RN and 5R8 in the same manner and for thesame'purpose as described in connection with signals 54 and 55 of Fig.4.

During the period the movement of core I8 is retarded by the centrifuge,both the circuits to magnets 68 and 69 are open and therefore contactlevers 62 and 63 assume the de-energized position by action ofcounter-weight 12a, whereupon all the stop signals as 5RN-5RE and 5RWare lighted to permit the clearing of the intersection of trafiic andpedestrians, as heretofore described in connection with signal units 54and 55.

Whereas relays 44 and 45 are shown as two units, relay 45 may be omittedand the pole changer levers 4! and 48 added to the relay 44.

Whereas signal sequence relay unit 3 of Fig. 1, and I6 of Fig. 2, areshown as part of signal units I and I 5, they may be placed remotelytherefrom and the wires I63, I05, I08, and III) may be arranged as linewires suppling energy in proper sequence to a plurality of signals as Ior I5, as for example, master control unit 50 may control ten each ofthe signal sequence relays 3 and I6 and each of said relays may supplyenergy in proper sequence to 1O signal units as I or I 5, or a total of200 signal units may be thusly controlled. It is to be noted, however,that, neglecting return feed wires, it is necessary to employ 4 feedwires, whereas in the systems shown in Figs. 4 and 5 only two such feedwires are required for the alternating current and one for the directcurrent system. The latter systems being preferable wherever signalunits are widely separated, and the former where signals are closertogether.

'Whereas two general directions of traflic have been shown, namely northto south or south to north and east to west or west to east, it is to beunderstood that intersections of traific at any point of the compass maybe thusly controlled and that the angles of intersection may be varied.

The resistances Y I4Il-I4Il may be employed to assist in correctingphase displacement for economical operation of the motor or relay units.It may be substituted by a reactance or condenser as conditions require.Likewise resistances II6-I I5 are employed for the same purpose.

Whereas the signals, as IGN- I GS I GE--I GW .and I RNIRSIRE IRW areshown as housed in a light signal unit, as I, each pair of proceed andstop lights as IGN and IRN, may be a signal unit and placed adjacent tothe correlated corner of the artery leading to the intersection.

Referring to Fig. 3, it is to be understood that the signal units as54-55 of Fig. 4, may supplant the similar units I--I of lower roadway Hin which instance the mechanism 5I will supplant the similar mechanism3, mechanism 5I receiving energy from control relay 45. Also signalunits as -436 of Fig. 5, may supplant the similar units 2--2 of theupper roadway A in which instance the mechanism I6 of Fig. 5 willsupplant the similar mechanism I6 of roadway A, the mechanism I6 of Fig.5, also receiving energy from control relay 44. Control mechanisms ofFigs. 4 and 5 preferably control a plurality of signal units as 54 and55.

By two position relay is meant a relay wherein the circuit controllersmove from front to back or back to front contacts without interruptionof movement thereof in opening and closing cir cuits, and by threeposition relay is meant a relay wherein the circuit controllers remainstationary in an intermediate contacting position for a predeterminedinterval during the movement thereof from one fixed contacting positionto another upon periodically reversing the flow of energy tothe relaysequentially with canceling the flow of energy thereto for otherintervals.

What I claim is:

1. In a signaling system for directing traflic at the intersection oftwo roadways, stop and go signals arranged to be displayed at theintersection for directing trafiio thereacross, a source of energy forthe signals, signal control devices arranged to connect the signalsource and the stop signals of both roadways when the devices arede-energized and connect the source to one order therebetweenalternately with canceling the flow 4 for predetermined intervals uponreversing the flow of energy through the intermediate control devices, asource of energy for the intermediate control devices, and a remotecontrol device normally connecting the last named source and the rintermediate control devices arranged to periodically reverse the flowof energy to the devices.

2. In a signaling system for intersecting roadways, stop and go signalsat the intersection, a signal relay including mechanism arranged to bemoved from one fixed position to another fixed position in responsetoreversal of flow of energy through the relay, means actuated by themechanism for efiecting display of one code of stop and go signals tothe roadways when the mechanism is in one fixed position and effectdisplay of an opposite code of stop and go signals thereto when themechanism is in the other fixed position, and effect display of stopsignals only to both roadways during the interval the mechanism is inoperation from one fixed position to the other, means operated by therelay for producing a predetermined retarded movement of the mechanismduring the operation thereof from one fixed position to the otherwhereby the stop signals are displayed to both roadways for apredetermined interval for clearing the intersection, a source of energyfor the relay, and means for maintaining the mechanism in one fixedposition when energy from the source flows through the signal relay inone direction and maintaining the mechanism in the other fixed positionwhen the energy from the source flows through the relay in the oppositedirection.

3. In a signaling system for roadway intersections, stop and go signalsat the intersection, signal devices including mechanism arranged to bemoved from one fixed position to another fixed position in response toestablishing a flow of energy through the devices alternately withcanceling the flow therethrough, means actuated by the mechanism foreffecting display of one code of stop and go signals to the roadwayswhen the mechanism is in one fixed position and effect display of anopposite code of stop and go signals thereto when the mechanism isin theother fixed position and effect display of stop signals only to bothroadways during the period the mechanism is operating from one fixedposition to the other, means affecting the signal devices for producinga predetermined retarded movement of the mechanism during the operationthereof from one fixed position to the other whereby the stop signalswill be displayed to both roadways for a predetermined interval forclearing the intersection of traffic, a source of energy for the signaldevices, and means to supply energy and disconnect said supply of energyfrom said signal device.

4. In a signaling system for roadway intersections, stop and go signalsat the intersections for display to direct the traffic at theintersection of tworoadways, signaling devices arranged to effectdisplay of stop signals only to both roadways when de-energized andeffect display of one code of stop and go signals thereto when suppliedwith energy of one polarity and effect display of an opposite code ofstop and go signals to the roadways when supplied with energy ofopposite polarity, a polarized source of energy for the signalingdevices, a circuit control device including circuits connected to the!signaling devices for supplying energy from the polarized source to thesignaling devices arranged to cancel the fiow therebetween forpredetermined intervals alternately with establishing oppositelypolarized flows therebetween for other predetermined intervals uponenergizing the circuit control device for a predetermined intervalalternately and sequentially with de-energization thereof for anotherpredetermined interval, and means for energizing the circuit controldevices for a predetermined interval alternately with deenergizationthereof for another predetermined interval.

5. In a signaling system for roadway intersections, stop and go signalsat the intersection, signal devices arranged to effect display of stopsignals only to both roadways when de-energized and effect display ofone code of stop and go signals thereto when energy flows through thedevices in one direction and effect a display of an opposite code ofstop and go signals to the roadways when energy flows through thedevices in the opposite direction, a source of energy for the signaldevices, a circuit control device, circuits, means operated by thecircuit control device for connecting the circuits arranged to connectthe source to the signal devices to cancel the flow of energytherebetween for predetermined intervals alternately with establishingreversed flows of energy therebetween for other predetermined intervalsupon establishing a fiow of energy through the circuit control device inone direction for predetermined intervals alternately and sequentiallywith establishing a flow of energy therethrough in the oppositedirection for other predetermined intervals, and means for establishingfiow of energy in one direction through the circuit control device forpredetermined intervals alternately with establishing flow of energy inthe other direction therethrough for other predetermined intervals.

6. In a signaling system for roadway intersections, stop and go signalsat the intersections, a source of energy and circuits therefrom to thesignals, a normally energized motor arranged to operate from one fixedposition to another fixed position in response to reversal in flow ofenergy thereto, circuit closers in said circuits actuated by the motorfor connecting said circuits to connect the signal source to the stopsignals of one roadway when the motor is in one fixed position and tothe stop signals of the other roadway when the motor is in the otherfixed position and to the stop signals of both roadways during theperiod the motor is operating from one fixed position to the other,other circuit closers in said circuits actuated by the motor forconnecting said circuits to connect the signal source to the go signalsof one roadway when the motor is positioned in one fixed position and tothe go signals of the other roadway when the motor is positioned in theother fixed position and cancel the fiow of energy to all the go signalsduring the period the motor is operating from one fixed position to theother, a source of energy for the motor, means for maintaining the motorin one fixed position when energy from the last named source flowstherethrough in one direction and maintaining the motor in the otherfixed position when the flow of energy from the last named source isreversed, and retarding means operated by the motor for requiring apredetermined interval of operation thereof from one fixed position tothe other.

'7. In a signaling system for roadway intersections, stop and go signalsat the intersections, normally energized signal devices arranged to beoperated from one fixed position to another fixed position in responseto reversal of fiow of energy thereto, means actuated by the devices foreffect-- ing display of one code of stop and go signals to the roadwayswhen the devices are in one fixed position and reverse the code of stopand go signals thereto when the devices are in the other fixed positionand effect display of stop signals only to both the roadways during theperiod the devices are operating from one fixed position to the other, asource of energy for the devices, means affecting the devices forrequiring a predetermined interval of operation from one fixed positionto the other whereby the stop signals only are displayed for apredetermined interval to clear the intersection, and means forsupplying energy flowing in one direction from the source to the signaldevices for predetermined intervals alternately with supplying energyflowing in the opposite therebetween for other predetermined intervals,the interval for supplying energy from the source to the signal devicesbeing longer than the interval during the operation of the devices fromone fixed position to the other.

8. In a signaling system for roadway intersections, stop and go signalsat the intersections, a three position relay arranged to effect displayof one code of stop and go signals to the roadways when in one energizedposition and effect display of an opposite code of stop and go signalswhen in the other energized position and effect display of stop signalsonly to both roadways when in the de-energized position, a two positionrelay arranged to be operated from one fixed position to another fixedposition, means affecting the last named relay producing a predeterminedinterval of operation from one fixed position to the other, meansactuated by the two position relay for maintaining the three positionrelay in one energized position when the two position relay is in onefixed position and maintain the three position relay in the otherenergized position when the two position relay is in the other fixedposition and de-energize the three position relay during the period thetwo position relay is operating from one fixed position to the otherfixed position, a remote control relay arranged to be operated from onefixed position to another, means actuated thereby for maintaining thetwo position relay in one fixed position when the remote control relayis in one fixed position alternately with maintaining the two positionrelay in the other fixed position when the remote control relay is inthe other fixed position, and a master control device for maintainingthe remote control relay in one fixed position for a predeterminedinterval alternately with maintaining the relay in the other fixedposition for other predetermined intervals.

9. In a signal system for intersecting roadways, a source of energytherefor, circuits, a signal relay at each intersection including meansconnecting the circuits for connecting the source to stop signals ofboth roadways when the relays are de-energized and connect the source toone code of stop and go signals when the energy is flowing through therelays in one direction and connect the source to an opposite code ofstop and go signals when the energy flow through the relays in theopposite direction, a source of energy for the signal relays, a controlrelay including means connecting the last named circuits to connect thesecond named source to the signal relays to cancel the flow to saidsignal relays for a predetermined time and then supply a flowtherethrough in one direction with the flow of energy through thecontrol relay in one direction and cancel the flow to said signal relaysfor a predetermined time and then supply a flow in the reverse directionwith the flow of energy through said control relay in a reversedirection, and means for establishing a flow of energy in one directionthrough the control relay for a predetermiend time alternately withestablishing a flow therethrough in the reverse direction for anotherpredetermined time.

10. In a signal system for roadway intersections, stop and go signals atthe intersections, signal devices controlling a certain group ofintersections for effecting display of one code of stop and go signalswhen de-energized and display on an opposite code of stop and go signalswhen energized and display of stop signals only when initially energizedand ole-energized, a two position control relay operable to one positionwhen energized and to the other position when de-energized, meansoperable thereby including a source of energy for connecting the sourceto the signal devices when the relay is energized and disconnecting thesource therefrom when the relay is in the other position, other signaldevices controlling another group of intersections for effecting displayof one code of stop and go signals when supplied with energy of onepolarity and another code of stop and go signals when supplied withenergy of opposite polarity and stop signals only when reversing theenergy fiow to the devices, a two position pole changing control relayoperable to one position when energized and to the other position whenole-energized, means operable thereby including a source of polarizedenergy for establishing flow of energy of one polarity between thesource and the pole changing relays upon being energized and reverse thepolarity of the energy flow therebetween upon being deenergized, andmeans for energizing both the control relays for predetermined intervalsalternately with de-energization thereof for other predeterminedintervals.

11. In a signaling system, stop and go signals at the intersection oftwo roadways, a two position relay including circuit controllersoperated thereby movable between oppositely fixed contacting positions,the circuit controllers being maintained in one fixed contactingposition upon energizing the relay and in the other fixed contactingposition upon deenergizing the relay and in an operating contactingposition during the interval of movement thereof from one fixedcontacting position to the other, and means including a source of energyand contacts engaged by the circuit controllers for producing, (1)display of one code of stop and go signals to the roadways when thecircuit controllers are positioned in one fixed contacting position, (2)another code of stop and go signals thereto when the circuit controllersare positioned in the other fixed contacting position, and (3) a displayof a code of stop signals to both roadways during the interval thecircuit controllers are moving from one fixed contacting position to theother, means for producing a predetermined time interval of operation ofthe relay in moving the circuit controllers from one fixed contactingposition to the other, and means for energizing the relay forpredetermined intervals of time alternately with deenergization thereoffor other predetermined time intervals.

12. In a signaling system, stop and go signals at the intersection oftwo roadways, a two position polarized relay, circuit controllersoperated thereby movable between oppositely energized fixed contactingpositions alternately and sequen- .tially with movement through anenergized operating contacting position upon reversing polarity ofenergy fiow to the relay, means including a source of energy andcontacts engaging the circuit controllers for producing, (1) display ofone code of stop and go signals to the roadways when the circuitcontrollers are positioned in one energized fixed position, (2) displayof another code of stop and go signals thereto when the circuitcontrollers are positioned in the opposite energized fixed contactingposition, and (3) display of a code of stop signals to both the roadwaysduring the interval the circuit controllers are moving through theenergized operating contacting position, means producing a predeterminedtime interval of movement of the circuit controllers from one energizedfixed contacting position tothe other, and means including a polarizedsource of energy connected to the relay for, periodically reversing thepolarity of the energy flow therebetween for maintaining the relay inone fixed energized contacting position when the energy flowtherethrough in one direction and maintaining the relay in the otherfixed energized position when the energy flows therethrough in theopposite direction.

13. In a signaling system, stop and gosignals at the intersection of tworoadways, a three position signal relay including a motor and a plural-75 ity of circuit controllers operated thereby having oppositely fixedenergized contacting positions and a stationary deenergized contactingposition, means including a source of energy and relay contacts engagedby certain of the circuit controllers for producing display of one oranother of selected codes of go signals when the motor and said certaincircuit controller is positioned in one or the other of the fixedenergized contacting positions and cancel display of said go signalswhen positioned in the deenergized contacting position, means includinga source of energy and other relay contacts engaged by other circuitcontrollers for producing display of one or another of selected codes ofstop signals when the motor and said other circuit controller ispositioned in one or the other of the fixed contacting positions andalso produce display of both codes of stop signals when positioned inthe deenergized contacting position, and means including a source ofenergy for maintaining the motor and circuit controllers at oppositefixed contacting position for predetermined intervals sequentially withmaintaining said motor and circuit control in the deenergized contactingposition for other predetermined intervals.

OSCAR A. ROSS.

